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PSLE Word Problems Guide

Strategic step-by-step approach to solving high-weightage word problems.

Step 1: The 'K-U-S' Method

  • • K (Know): Highlight the keywords and values
  • • U (Underline): Underline exactly what the question is asking for
  • • S (Strategy): Choose between Model, Units, or Algebra

Step 2: Identifying Problem Types

  • • Equal Stage: 'At the end, they had an equal amount'. Strategy: Work Backwards
  • • External Change: 'Only Ali spent money, John stayed constant'. Strategy: Constant Part
  • • Common Multiple: Used for 'Sharing' problems with different fractional parts

Step 3: Execution & Patterns

  • • Total Change: Everything changes. Strategy: Stacking Model or Simultaneous equations
  • • Remainder Concept: 'Spent 1/4 of total, then 1/3 of remainder'. Use Branching Diagram

Step 4: The Final Check

  • • Units Check: Does the answer have the correct 'cm', 'kg', or '$'?
  • • Reasonableness: Does the answer make sense in context? (e.g. 0.5 of a person is wrong!)
  • • Reverse Calculation: Plug the answer back into the start of the problem
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